A: We're glad you asked. Wendy made it up. It was our way of saying that the wedding is dressier than shorts and bathing suits. Think of what you'd wear to an upscale dinner party outside in the summertime on a tropical island (minus the sequins). The synagogue is not air conditioned and may be a bit warm during the wedding. We suggest light, natural fabrics like linen, silk or cotton. For the men, long pants and a short-sleeve shirt would be appropriate. For the women, a sundress, a blouse and skirt or a lightweight pants outfit are appropriate. The floor of the synagogue is sand so very high heels may be tricky but low heels and sandals are entirely appropriate. Shoes ARE required.
Q: Where are you staying?
A: We are staying at the Grand Beach Palace. It is a beautiful resort, well located on the East End near Coki Beach (best snorkeling on St. Thomas), Coral World and 5 minutes from Red Hook (a little town with many restaurants, shops and a grocery store-- it is also where you catch the ferry to St. John). We have room blocks at both the Palace and next door at Point Pleasant Resort.
Q: We really want to come but we're just not beach people--what would we do?
A: Glad you asked! There are many things you can do. Shopping abounds in St. Thomas and it is duty free! Check out Havensight Mall at the Cruise ship dock as well as Main Street and Drake's Passage. Good bargains are found on rum, liquor, jewelry, perfume, crystal, linens and more! Check out the Historical Trust for historic walking tours that include stops at Fort Christian, the oldest structure on the island, Emancipation Garden, where the slaves were freed in 1848, Blackbeard's Castle, a 1600's fortified tower, as well as the Seven Arches Museum which housed an 18th century Danish artisan's home with slave quarters. Also check out Tillett Gardens, a center for local artists and performers. It hosts live concerts and Pistarckle Theatre has live theatre productions. Additionally, the Grand Beach Palace boasts a luxury spa, with massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, aloe wraps and facial treatments. You can also hike on St. John on one of the many beautiful hiking trails.
Q: What is really the name of the hotel--the Grand Bay Palace or the Grand Beach Palace?
A: Well they keep changing it but apparently it is now the Grand Beach Palace.
Q: Where are you registered?
A: We are registered at Bed, Bath and Beyond, and International Villa in Denver.
Q: Do we need to rent a car?
A: It depends how much exploring you want to do. We are providing transportation to and from the wedding. The brunch is walking distance (at Point Pleasant Resort) and the pre-nuptial dinner is near town. A cab from the airpot to the Grand Beach Palace runs about $13 per person. Town is closer than the airport. You can get cabs to anywhere on the island but it tends to add up and there is no economy in sharing (they charge everyone per person). If you mostly plan on sticking by the resort, there is plenty to do there, 2 different beaches to visit and several restaurant options. You can ferry to St. John and rent a car there for the day to explore. Hope that helps.
